Some hours later in the cabin the expected question that Phil had waited for was asked. “Mr. Perry, will you and your friends teach my men to use our guns?” Phil readily agreed. “That removes a great burden from my mind,” exclaimed Captain Garcia gratefully. “When will you begin?” “Now, at once,” answered Phil promptly. “I must be given authority to order the men about, and to do this I desire to be given the temporary rank and wear the uniform of your first lieutenant. My friend, Mr. Monroe, must have the rank of lieutenant, and O’Neil an ensign. In this way only can we control our pupils.” The captain was in high glee. He fell in immediately with the spirit of the undertaking. Donning the uniforms, which fortunately were in store on board, the Americans set to work to carry out the scheme outlined by Phil. The battery was divided into two divisions, one of which was to be commanded by each of his companions with the native officer as assistant. Phil himself was to be near the captain and was also to control the fire of the broadsides. The next night our friends had reason to congratulate themselves upon their wonderful progress. The crew were imbued with a lively interest and fell to with a will to perfect themselves. “My country can never repay its debt to you, señors,” the captain exclaimed to the lads after they had returned from their last drill. The enemy would be encountered the next morning, if their commanding officers had the courage to fight. “I do not now fear the outcome. My greatest fear has been swept away; it was that if the shells of our enemy were to hit us too frequently our men might become demoralized and in spite of me haul down our flag. There can be no danger of that now.” The next morning all hands were called before dawn and preparations were made for the coming battle. The lads were consumed with excitement as they moved among the willing sailors. The rapid shooting with which Phil hoped to overwhelm their two antagonists was provided for by placing at the guns a quantity of reserve ammunition. O’Neil went among the men joking with them and telling them what was expected of them. Their Latin blood was aroused to the highest pitch of excitement. “Do you see these guns?” he cried, changing his voice to a harsh tone, pointing to two revolvers in his belt. “I have twelve dead men here. The first dozen men who show cowardice are as good as dead right now.” By sunrise the low land of the Bay of Rio Grande was in sight. The red-roofed town, nestling against the side of the dark green of the forest, reflected the slanting rays of light. The “Aquadores” steamed boldly toward the forts at the entrance. Phil felt confident that Sydney and O’Neil would give a good account of themselves in the battle, the outcome of which meant so much to the Americans.